Amelanchier arborea ‘Robin Hill’

Amelanchier arborea ‘Robin Hill’ is an American form of the Amelanchier lamarckii. Distinguishing itself from the broader-spreading lamarckii, Robin Hill boasts a compact, upright canopy with its name ‘arborea’ alluding to its branching like a tree. This signifies its standard tree form rather than a multi-stem variety.

Originating from the efforts of William Smith at the Robin Hill Arboretum in New York during the 1960s, this cultivar has proven notably resilient, reaching a height of approximately 8m with a slender, erect crown. The gracefully sweeping branches make it an ideal choice for infusing colour and visual interest into narrow or dull pathways and streets.

A notable advantage of Robin Hill, is its resistance to the brown tail moth, whose irritating hairs are absent, making it a preferred alternative to several other tree varieties. In mid-spring, the tree burst to life with pink buds unfolding into a spectacular display of creamy-star shaped flowers. The vibrancy of these blooms intensifies with favourable spring weather, presenting a brilliant white spectacle. The bronzed sandstone hue of leaves transitions into a matte emerald green during summer. Come autumn, the foliage transforms into popcorn yellows and golds, culminating in fiery orange with red undertones.

True to its common name, June Berry, the Robin Hill produces small blackcurrant coloured fruits in early summer. These are highly sought after by both humans and birds, though their time on the tree is fleeting so harvesting must be swift. The overall appeal of the Amelanchier arborea ‘Robin Hill’ lies in its combination of aesthetic beauty, adaptability and minimal susceptibility to common concerns, making it a delightful addition to diverse landscapes.